Test 2008

Motorcyle Test

A new practical motorcycle test was introduced in March 2009 (postponed from October 2008) to comply with European legislation, which aims to improve the standard of road safety for motorcycle and moped riders. This user group have been identified as having a high risk of injury or death. This is particularly the case for young and inexperienced riders.

The new test contains two elements. The Higher speed manoeuvers and other exercises will be tested on safe off-road sites and take about 8 minutes to complete. The accompanied riding element of the test will follow, consisting of a road ride include normal stops, hill and angle starts. Candidates who have exhibited riding skills of a dangerously incompetent level during the off-road part of the test will not be permitted to proceed to the on-road element.

What is different about the new 2009 motorcycle test?

The new EU standards set extra and more demanding special manoeuvers that must be included in every practical motorcycling test. These new standards include:

  • at least two manoeuvers being carried out at slow speed, including a slalom
  • at least two manoeuvers being carried out at higher speed, of which one manoeuver should be in second or third gear, at a speed of at least 30 km/h (18.6 mph) and one maneuver avoiding an obstacle at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (31.1 mph)
  • at least two braking exercises, including an emergency brake at a minimum speed of 50 km/h (31.1 mph)

Click here to view the maneuver diagrams >>

The diagrams show the proposed layout of the manoeuvering area. At the discretion of the examiner, candidates will be asked to demonstrate their ability to ride a right circuit, and steer to the right on the avoidance exercise or a left circuit and steer to the left on the avoidance exercise.

The practical moped riding test is being developed. The higher speed manoeuvers for moped riders will be slower than for motorcycles. A test for the drivers of motorcycle and side car combination is also under development.

UPDATE - Ride-Right.co.uk are the first NE school to have our training area sanctioned for the new test, enabling our students to be fully prepared when the test comes into force.